Ardea Secures Heritage Pact Covering 100 Tenements at Goongarrie Hub

Heritage Agreement Secures Cultural Collaboration

Ardea Resources Limited, through its majority-owned subsidiary Kalgoorlie Nickel Pty Ltd (KNPL), has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Kalgoorlie Nickel Project by signing a Heritage Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group. This agreement covers 100 mining tenements that overlap the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claim area, which includes the majority of the Goongarrie Hub Project. The arrangement sets out clear protocols for conducting heritage surveys, protecting culturally significant sites, and streamlining approval processes for exploration and development activities.

Facilitating Responsible Development

The Heritage Agreement is designed to balance the need for timely project progression with respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage. It establishes agreed timelines and procedures that provide certainty for scheduling and planning, which is critical as KNPL advances its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Goongarrie Hub. This cooperative framework reflects Ardea’s commitment to responsible mining practices and adherence to stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

Strategic Importance of the Goongarrie Hub

The Goongarrie Hub is a cornerstone of Ardea’s Kalgoorlie Nickel Project, which hosts one of the largest nickel-cobalt resources in Australia and globally significant deposits. With an estimated 584 million tonnes of ore containing approximately 4 million tonnes of nickel, the project is positioned to be a major supplier of critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition. The Heritage Agreement not only facilitates regulatory approvals but also strengthens community relations, a vital factor in the project's long-term success.

Looking Ahead, Native Title Agreement Negotiations

Following this milestone, KNPL will engage with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie group to negotiate a formal Native Title Agreement. This next phase will further define the terms of cooperation and benefit-sharing, reinforcing mutual respect and partnership. Ardea’s Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Penkethman, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the company’s dedication to transparency and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Broader Project Context

Ardea’s Kalgoorlie Nickel Project also includes the Kalpini Hub, with ongoing exploration and development activities aimed at expanding nickel and critical mineral resources. The company’s joint venture with Japanese partners Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation underscores the strategic importance of this project in the global nickel supply chain. The Heritage Agreement thus represents a foundational step in aligning cultural heritage protection with the ambitious development goals of the project.